Rice With Dried Fruit And Nuts

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 c water
• 1 c Basmati rice
• 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 1 wide strip lime zest (1 inch wide)
• 3/4 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 c whole almonds (skin-on)
• 1/4 c dried apricots (chopped)
• 1/4 c dried cranberries
• 2 c parsley (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet and over medium heat. Add almonds, 1/4 tsp of salt and toast the almonds, tossing occasionally until almonds smell nutty and start to brown, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from the heat, let cool and give almonds a rough chop.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, rinse rice for 5-7 times until water runs clear.

3. 3

   Heat the remaining 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil in a small saucepan and over medium heat. Add rice and stir continuously for 2 minutes making sure each grain is coated in oil. Add lime zest, the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt, water, reduce the heat, cover with a lid and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.

4. 4

   Remove rice from the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes.

5. 5

   Transfer rice to a bowl, fluff with a fork and then stir in dried apricots, dried cranberries, almonds and parsley. Adjust the seasoning and serve.